Monday, July 06, 2009

A Tight Biological Loop

Prochlorococcus, a tiny photosynthesing marine bacteria, is one of the smallest and most abundant forms of life. It needs nitrogen which is often a limiting factor in its growth. Apparently a major source of its nitrogen is nitrate, which is produced by organsims which mainly feed on Prochlorococcus itself: Prochlorococcus: Approved for export!